Expert Opinion

[proto57]

Can we move discussion of Rich's forgery theory to his own thread?
I wanted this to be a separate thread devoted to the discussion of Expert Opinion in general. Rich thought I created this thread to discuss his theory, but I didn't.

No, Mark, I did not think you "created this thread to discuss" my theory, and I believe you know this. I was simply answering questions posed to me in this thread, by others, relating to my theory. And also, as you even have admitted, this thread was begun... partially... in response to my own blog post touching on the use (and not) of expert opinions. So the thread is entwined with that theory, and any other theory, really. The issue of the use of expert opinion impacts absolutely every single facet of the Voynich investigation. That it veered off into questions and challenges to my hypothesis was not my doing.

Trust me, I'm used to this. I understand that you and others would rather not be presented with the "uncomfortable" possibility this is a modern fake, but long ago David assured me that the Ninja's would not suppress discussion on this topic. Moving the modern forgery ideas to a place away from this, or other general discussions, when those discussions necessarily touch on this possibility, is suppressing them.

And again, it is a reflection of the key point here: The dismissal of forgery possibilities, and the testimony which arguably supports it, rather than discussing that openly. The question I would ask you... or you might want to ask yourself, is "why?" you would want to do this? Why does it seem to bother you so much? And that is a general question, too, which I've often wondered on... the most "out there" theories are openly discussed, on all forums here, and elsewhere, and there is little or no complaint. But Modern Forgery is always a hot potato, eliciting an almost visceral, emotional, hatred. Is it really because it is so impossible, as constantly claimed, or actually because it uncomfortably plausible to those who would find a forged Voynich outcome very distasteful? I could cite many cases which point to the latter case being possible.

Let's not mention the elephant in the room, and maybe it will go away?

It does not bother me one bit that the Voynich might be real. I'm not at all affected by what the Voynich is, I can't make it any thing, it is what it is, and that is wonderful to me. If you and the others are correct, I will have a toast with you, and actually, be very relieved that it is over. I would not want to, and never try to, hide anything pointing any evidence of genuine... should any such evidence actually turn up (that last was a joke!).

I always relish in the discussion, because I want to know the findings and opinions of everyone else, too. Yours, also, of course. I would not suggest that your input... or Aga's, or Rene's, or anyone's... be relegated to the basement. Why would you wish that upon me, and my ideas?

Rich.